Updated March 2026

Testosterone has vital roles in both men and women. The main differences are the amount of testosterone produced and the production site. Men generally have 10 to 20 times higher testosterone levels than women.

In men, testosterone is produced in the testes and in small amounts within the adrenal gland. But in women, testosterone is made in the ovaries (most of this is converted to estrogen) and also in the adrenal glands. 

Testosterone is called an androgenic hormone because it stimulates the development of male characteristics. However, it is important to understand that testosterone is essential for both male and female health. Men can find out how to boost testosterone levels naturally here.

What Does Testosterone Do For Women?

Many people ask, what does testosterone do for women? 

Testosterone for women plays a role in embryonic development during pregnancy. Specifically, it signals to the cells of the genetically male embryo to develop as a male. 

However, testosterone also plays a key role in normal female physiology, and even small amounts are essential for healthy bodily function. In women, testosterone supports: 

• Libido (Sex drive)
• Memory and cognitive function
• Bone density
• Muscle mass
• Sense of wellbeing
• Self-confidence, motivation, and energy

It also contributes to skin health through oil production (sebum in the skin and hair), hair growth, and sexual sensitivity, as women have testosterone receptors in the nipples, clitoris, and vagina.

What Causes Low Testosterone In Women?

Low testosterone in women can occur for a number of reasons. In younger women, the combined contraceptive pill can increase Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). 

Dr Ghazala Aziz-Scott explains , “SHBG is like a bus that transports hormones around the body. Once testosterone gets on the bus, it is reluctant to get off. So, if you have high levels of SHBG in your body, this binds to testosterone and the actual amount of free testosterone available to your tissue decreases. 

“Some younger women can present with low testosterone, and SHBG can be one of the causes. But in general, testosterone deficiency appears during the perimenopausal and menopausal period. This happens a lot younger than you might think; we notice that many perimenopausal women in their early forties can have low testosterone when measured.”

Does Testosterone Decline During Menopause?

Menopausal women often experience a decline in their testosterone levels, although the extent of this decline can depend on adrenal health. 

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), produced by the adrenal glands, acts as a precursor to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.In menopausal women, this provides a reservoir of hormones from the adrenal glands. If  DHEA levels are lower than expected, women may experience more pronounced menopausal symptoms due to reduced hormone support. 

In men, decreased DHEA levels can also contribute to andropause symptoms.

What Other Causes Lead To Low Testosterone?

There are several additional causes of low testosterone levels in women. These include:

• Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) 
• Ovarian failure due to medical treatment
• Loss of period during reproductive age (hypothalamic amenorrhoea) 
• Hyperprolactinemia, (high prolactin levels) 
• Adrenal insufficiency

A disorder of the pituitary gland called hypopituitarism can also result in testosterone deficiency. However, this is rare.

How Can A Woman Increase Testosterone Levels?

The best treatment plan for low testosterone in women usually combines hormone therapy with lifestyle changes.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone replacement therapy involves restoring depleted hormone levels using bioidentical testosterone, which is structurally identical to the hormone produced in your body. 

Most testosterone products are designed for men and may contain doses that are too high for women. However, bioidentical testosterone can be carefully tailored to suit female hormone levels, with delivery options including topical creams, injections, transdermal patches, and lozenges. 

During TRT, your hormones will be closely monitored, and your consultant will ensure any reactions to the treatment are noted and your treatment tailored to you.

Lifestyle Changes To Support Testosterone

Every patient is unique, and there are no ‘standard’ measurements for the changes that can be made in one’s lifestyle in order to promote testosterone production. However, any positive changes that you can make towards achieving a healthier lifestyle can, in turn, contribute to better hormone health. Here are some areas which we recommend improving upon:

• Stress management – increased cortisol levels as a result of high or prolonged periods of stress can inhibit testosterone production, so it is important to reduce stress where possible.
• Diet – taking steps to reduce consumption of refined sugars, simple carbohydrates and processed foods, and focusing on a low glycaemic index (low GI) diet, can help to decrease insulin levels and encourage weight loss, which will help to increase testosterone naturally.
• Exercise routine – walking regularly, taking part in classes such as yoga and pilates, and going to the gym are all examples of healthy fitness habits that you can introduce into your routine. In addition, at The Marion Gluck Clinic, we advise all menopausal women to regularly engage in some form of weight training as it helps to relieve symptoms, maintain muscle tone, and naturally boost testosterone levels.
• Sleep – your body needs an appropriate amount of sleep in order to properly detox hormones and reduce inflammatory markers. Improve your sleep hygiene by implementing a calming pre-sleep routine, such as putting your phone away an hour before bedtime, listening to relaxing music, and ensuring that your pillow is the correct thickness to support your neck and head.

Book An Appointment With A Hormone Specialist

If you suspect that you may have low testosterone, book an appointment with one of our expert hormone specialists at The Marion Gluck Clinic. You will then be able to undergo the appropriate investigations to diagnose and treat your hormonal issues, and get back on track to feeling like the best version of yourself.